THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8536, 17 March 1908, Page 4

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Yesterday we published the itinerary of the cruiso of the American fleet, now engaged under Admiral Evans in the long journey from the' Atlantic to the Pacific oceans. The ships have almost reached San Francisco, which port they leave in July for the Pacific Islands and Sydney, afterwards visiting the Philippines and returning homo. Australia's invitation to the fleet to honour a Commonwealth port with a call has naturally been heard of with the- "liveliest expressions _ot gratification in the States, as being proof that these two nations, sprung from the same Anglo-Saxon stock, regard each other with feelings of the utmost goodwill. We are sure the Premier's invitation to the fleet to bo the Dominion's guests for a brief period will be viewed in the same light, and on the part of New Zealand the welcome to the American officers and men will be warm and cordial. Some New Zealanders were needlessly effusive over the visit of a Japanese Squadron some years ago, and we shall bo disappointed if Admiral Evans' fleet does not get ay hearty though perhaps a more sincere reception. If it is too late to ensure the presence of the- fceet in New Zealand waters nothing will be lost by such action as the Premier on behalf of tho colony has taken, but on the other hand the opportunity will have been embraced of showing that there is an unbreakable bond of friendship between these outposts of the British race and the great Republic.